Customer Reviews

Nespresso C180W Le Cube Automatic Espresso Machine, Arctic White

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are committed to drinking a lot of espressos, lattes, cappucino's, etc ...* and not just a cup of 'joe,' there are only two choices for you to choose from, this and the Keurig Platinum B70. Both make excellent coffee, are easy to use and make cleanup easy. So it really comes down to design looks.

*Note that to make real froth, you need the Nespresso Aericcino frothing machine which is really just an agitating/warming/heating cup like device - Amazon does not seem to sell, it's around $90 but it makes a huge difference versus the slightly non-diary power cream taste you usually get from "fake" pods of cappucino/latte. Of course, it's a separate device that you can use with the Keurig also so you can decide.

Besides the looks, the only difference is that the Keurig sells about 100 different pods of tea, coffee and hot chocolate and available in lots of places while the Nespresso pods are only available online and your choices are limited to about 12 (or whatever they might add or subtract in the future). Though since Nespresso only sells 12, they tried to make sure there is a difference in each of their choices so while you do get "more" choices that work on the Keurig, that does not necessarily mean you're getting a slew of differences ... each Nespresso pod is $.49 each with a minimum order of 50. Keurig pods range in price from $.30 to $.70 but Nespresso's design sensibilities extends to the pods themselves - the "Welcome Pack" is especially cool looking, a minimalistic black box out of MoMa with multi-colored chrome dots - each a pod "window" showcasing the 250 pods that then slide out onto trays like truffles. If you have a lot of company/friends over and want to show off striking good looks even from your instant coffee pod, then you have to choose the Nespresso ... sure, that might be getting carried away a bit but great classy clean design can make a difference - just like you could probably wouldn't pull out some grape jelly jars to drink coffee :-)

Anyway, ultimately, that's what it comes down to - the Nespresso unit and its pods are something you'd proudly display on your kitchen counter as it's really a mini Italian roaster, grinder and coffee machine - even down to its cup warmer and its chrome-like pods.

The Keurig coffee itself can be just as good. The unit itself and the pods however are normal, functional, everyday looking design - nothing wrong with that but if you're choosing design and aesthics, unlike a lot of choices where you trade off striking looks for ease of use, you're not giving up anything with choosing the Nespresso.

BTW, the Nespresso LeCube is also available in red, chrome and a new black. I'm not sure if Amazon carries all the colors. At their website, you can go all out and go Nespresso crazy - from sugar sticks to cups to if you're a true believer ... the 'wall capsule dispenser in ebony-tinted oak.' I KID YOU NOT :-)

Since purchasing Le Cube, my boyfriend and I have consumed a surprising number of the pods. The array of choices is impressive--our favorite is probably "Arpeggio", but all of the flavors, even the "Decaffeinato" variety are delicious.

Le Cube makes a high quality shot of espresso, without all the grinding, and tamping required of a more traditional espresso machine.

My only complaint? I wish that the Nespresso representative at Sur La Table (where we purchased the machine) had warned us that the pods are only available for purchase online.

better coffee than i've ever had at starbucks. even without sugar added, there is a hint of natural sweetness in the mostly arabica coffees provided in their capsules. so, not only great coffee but as you can see from the picture - killer design as well. i feel, le cube, will be to coffee machines what the ipod was to portable music systems. just perfect because it is so simple.

minor point, the warming tray didn't really warm much.

this product could have been designed by apple. it is beautiful, functional, simple and makes you happy every time you interact with it. it is a wonderful machine.
the coffee pods system is great: they come in 10-12 color coded varieties that give you the impression that you are a great coffee connaisseur, because you can tell them apart. espresso comes out better than at starbucks. each pod costs 50 cents.

Le Cube is so easy to use, looks great on the kitchen counter, and most importantly - the espesso is delicious. Perfect crema, no burnt taste. The drinks we're making are far better than what I've ever had at Starbucks. It only works with their espresso pods, but that's o.k. because their espresso is excellent.
We also bought the Aeroccino which makes steamed milk or frothed milk, for making cappacino's and latte's. This is also simple to use and works really well.

I've owned several espresso machines over the years, some many times the price of this one. In the end, they last about a year before blowing a seal or something else. For a long time, we opted to go without, and watched friends and family try models. We were thrilled to find family members using this little unit for 3 or 4 years now, so decided to try it. Note: Because Amazon won't let you change a "stars" rating once made, any other coffee maker review we have done in the past should be docked 2 stars due to poor life expectancy.

Pro:
+ Makes good crema-rich espresso (yes, true espresso... think and creamy top layer)
+ Fast start up, from power on to coffee in hand in like 60 seconds
+ Easy clean (front tray simply disengages and separates into 3 pieces)
+ Translucent front makes it easy to see empty Nespresso coffee containers
+ Many coffees to choose from (I think like 15 or so... purchase separately)
+ Warming/storage on top for glasses on both sides (note: space is tight so choose shape/style carefully)
+ Consistent brew with a great flavor
+ A good solid feel to it, does not feel cheap or flimsy to us
+ Overflow tray is huge (and much appreciated I might add)
+ Comes with a small and medium espresso glass
+ Very easy to see remaining water/water level at a glance, with easy access... thank you!
+ Very inexpensive relative to the rest of the field and the pricy junk that doesn't work very well or which breaks

Con:
- Coffees not immediately available in my area, must order them
- Will not immediately make a full cup of coffee... requires more than one coffee shot
- Using containers is not the lowest total cost of ownership... can't grind your own coffee

Bottom line: A decent choice that balances cost, convenience, and result. Recommended.

The concept of this machine is absolutely wounderful, simple, fast and no mess.

If you love your espressos, cappuccinos or whatever drink associated with espressos you will absolutely love this.

I first saw it on YouTube and loved the concept so after a little research I decided to buy one but it all came down to the flavor so I went to my local dealer.

The first roast I tried was the Arpeggio (Strength 9 cocoa hints and no acidity purple pod) and as I took the first sip I couldn't wait to finish to tell the sales person pack it up NOW.

I tried several different roasts that day but it took me two months to decide what my favourites were and the Arpeggio is still the top one for me, for both espressos and cappuccinos it tastes great.

I also bought the Aeroccino (milk frother) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NX352Y and it's also wounderful it produces perfect froth in 45 seconds every time.

I make 5 to 7 drinks every day (every body at my house forgot about Starbucks),you can program it to the length you like for your espresso, its ready in 15 seconds once you hit the power button, very easy to clean the drip tray and used pods compartment,and it also has two cup racks that can hold 6 cups.

They have 12+ roasts to choose from and give you detailed information about where each roast came from and how does it taste and what is the drink it is best suited for (short or long espresso, cappuccino) and once you buy a machine you become part of the nespresso club, each year they have limited edition and special club flavors that are kind of different to the regular ones, they have a lot of accessories made for the machine and to complement you're kitchen espresso corner.

My local dealer delivers the pods to my house, if yours doesn't you can order them online.

Best purchase I've made in a long time.

Highly recommended

I debated for a while and finally purchased the Le Cube - mostly because I liked the idea of no mess. I added a Froth Au Lait Frothing Unit and I now have cafe quality at about $1.00 per large cappuccino with little effort on my part (and no mess). I have always received the capsules from Nespresso in two shipping days as promised - which is good because I can wait to order until I am almost out. I highly recommend ordering a variety of capsules until you find the one that you like to best. Hint, the rosetto ones are the strongest tasting and you might only need one capsule (instead of two) for a large cappuccino.
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Makes a great cup of coffee or espresso. Works perfectly. Ordering capsules is simple and fast, too.

If you love espresso, but hate the work, this is the greatest machine. I highly recommend it.